ADNAN AFAQ | Pioneer of the Pakistani Music Scene | Aleph Podcast | 24

In this episode of the Aleph Podcast we had the honour of hosting one of the pioneers of the music scene in Pakistan today, Adnan Afaq.
With a background of studying jazz and modern fusion from the United Kingdom, Adnan Afaq has achieved a level of mastery in his instrument that very few ever do; this led to him working with some of Pakistan’s top musical acts. Adnan has been a session player artists such as Sajjad Ali, Fakhr-e-Alam and many others.
Adnan's first band was "Powerhouse" back in 1988-89, known for performing Pink Floyd covers in the local circuit.
In the early 90s, Adnan was part of the glam rock band Arsh, featuring Schehzad Mughal (The Final Cut) on lead vocals, Sameer Ahmed Bakhtiari (Powerhouse, Zzap, Karavan, Raahi, Sounds of Kolachi) on bass guitars, and Tanseer Daar (Yatagaan, Circle, Karavan, Dyra) on keyboards, with whom he released an album titled "Saraab" in 1994.
Later in the 90s he formed the alternative rock band Circle with Tanseer Daar (Arsh, Karavan, Dyra) on lead vocals, Khalid Khan on bass guitars (Life Sketches, Collage, Mizraab, Aaroh) and Waqar Jaffery (The Barbarians, Powerhouse) on keyboards, with whom he released the album "Tehzeeb" in November 1997 to much critical acclaim, under the Sound Master record label.
As a guitar instructor and mentor he has directly informed and inspired generations of guitar virtuosos including most notably, Faraz Anwar (Mizraab, Dusk) and Shallum Xavier (Fuzon) and many, many others. He has also represented various music institutions as an instructor and is currently the Director of the Music Academy at Arts Council, Karachi where he also formed his current band, ACMA. Adnan is also a part of ‪@acpkhimusic‬ which is an exclusive record label introduced by The Arts Council, Karachi, Pakistan.
CHAPTERS :
0:00 - Melodious Beginnings
9:01 - Looking Up To Amir Zaki
14:10 - Powerhouse And Arsh
15:39 - The Recording Process
21:30 - Circle The Band
25:48 - Future Direction Of Music In Pakistan
35:44 - Entertainers and Exhibitors
41:35 - Questions From The Audience
FOLLOW ADNAN AFAQ:
Instagram: / afaqadnanofficial
Facebook: / afaq.adnan
FOLLOW ACP Music:
Instagram: / acpkhimusic
Facebook: / acpkhimusic
KZbin: www.youtube.com/@ACPKHIMUSIC/...
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Directed, Shot & Edited by Aly Muhammad
Assisted by Zahra Hassan Shah

[@Syed.Criminology]

Janatti Banda Tha Yaar Amir Zaki passed away on the last Friday of Ramadan Al Kareem And Adnan Afaq listen to him from 39:00 such a great and firm faith in Allah Kareem He died of stomach cancer that is a firm endorsed martyrdom Such a gem Shame on our Government for this guy along with Amir Zaki we couldn't do justice to their talent Wake Up Pakistan !!!!!

[@omairsiddiqui]

RIP legend. I had no idea he was ill. So sad to hear of his passing. Thank you Umair for speaking to him. There is really no other interview of Adnan anywhere.

[@Eccentrics]

Him, Aamir Zaki, and Faraz Anwar are absolute legends. So glad he came on Aleph.

[@mrabc6034]

Adnan, u as a person and a player will always be remembered, RIP.

[@rizwanhaq5554]

What a legend. Him, Aamir Zaki, Asad Ahmad, Faraz Anwar, Salman Ahmad. What an era, man ❤

[@justavoice]

An interview that, I bet wasn’t known at the time, was to become iconic because it now is the most in-depth, frank and clear documentation into who Adnan was. Master strike!!!! So thankful to the team and the host who arranged and carried it out. Salute of gratitude.

[@koihaiavailable]

Adnan bhai was right....didnt even properly scratch the surface of adnan afaq. There are whole universes existing in this maestros head. A true intellectual that didnt come out to play today. Perhaps another time. I am probably the worst student he ever had. But ill open a little window for the rest of you that i got to witness. He told me to hold a single note and to slowly keep strumming with an interval of one second as a rhythm. And while I did that he made every single note on a 24 fret guitar sit in tune and key with that single note. Go figure. Genius I tell you. He was just in a mood that day. If the rest are guitarists he's a musician. If they all are musicians he's a legend. If you fancy them all legends he's mythical. I truly respect all the greats of that past 90s era but still I don't take anyone's name in the same line as Adnan bhai. You just don't know him like that. Good to see you come out into the light adnan bhai.

[@syedmansoorh]

Not sure how many tapes I’ve bought for Arsh. Been 30 years or so but I’m sure I’ll remember all the lyrics for all of Arsh’s song even today. Thank you for the music Adnan.

[@jawadraza1218]

Arsh is still on my Playlist. Last night I was listening, najany mujh ko Kiya hi giya, Kiya Teri ankhon ka jadu ho giya.

[@imranuntitled]

This has been one of my favourite episodes and such a breath of fresh air! Thanks for your incredible hosting Umair!

[@AforAleph]

Thank you so much brother for your support! So glad you enjoyed it ❤

[@muhammadmaad]

In my view, Arsh had an amazing sound and tone. When it came out, I loved it immediately. Still am mesmerized with their sound.

[@immisheikh]

Rest in peace. May Allah rest Adnan bhai's soul in peace

[@SarmadGhafoorOfficial]

Legendary guitar player Legendary teacher. Thank you for doing this!

[@AforAleph]

You are no less of a legend sir! ❤️ Would love to have you on here whenever you are in Karachi!

[@fahadjavaid7336]

no doubt sarmad ghafoor Bhai is amazing

[@SaadSheharyar]

THANKYOU for inviting this Legend. sadly this country didnt give back the recognition he deserved.

[@AforAleph]

We are all to blame - can’t pin it on the country

[@doomsdayastronaut4471]

The guitar work on the circle album is absolutely INSANE!!! It is exactly like how Adnan bhai describes. It is very natural and off the cuff. You can feel the sheer spontaneity of it all. Incredible playing!!!

[@mutee333]

Absolutely love his work, Arsh, Circle, amazing music. He will surely be missed. I can't help but relate to his mannerism a little, the way he lost track of the question several times, and he wasn't into studies at all but had unnatural hyperfocus and discipline when it comes to his instrument. I suspect he might have had ADHD.

[@mohammadrizvi7520]

He is the best teacher and human being I ever met a wonderful teacher may God bless him health

[@AforAleph]

Ameen

[@faisalfarooq3608]

Luv you and miss you bro ❤😢 RIP, IA & Aameen.

[@sayyamrana2723]

Umair, what a wonderful Pod Cast. Such great memories of Adnan Bhai. I once had a wonderful experience with him when I met him at a V'Sel gig. Later that night he called me back around 11:30 pm and really appreciated me which was so wonderful because I grew up idealizing him as one of the guitar mentors from Pakistan. You must keep on doing such wonderful shows, man. Also start doing such pod casts for underrated guitar players who didn't get much recognition but had great contributions.

[@AforAleph]

Thank you buddy and thanks for sharing that great story! Will definitely aim to highlight more musicians that people deserve to know about 🙏🏼

[@max7even284]

Uncle ka naam tha Gulzar. He passed away a few years ago.

[@rizwanhaq5554]

My God, I just got to know after a month that he passed away. Heartbreaking news. May he RIP.

[@alinaqvi4653]

31:50 Ameen... Inshallah the band culture will make a huge comeback...

[@AforAleph]

InshaAllah!

[@muhammaduzair2923]

The man, the legend, Mr Adnan Afaq. Awesome musician. Finally on your show ❤

[@ismailnoor7226]

First time seeing Adnan Afaq! Thank you for inviting him over.

[@omairsh8]

Great interview! Would love to see Mekaal Hasan bhai on the podcast in the future 😊

[@baigmusic]

Living on the other side of the globe, i didn’t really know who he was until now, but he has made a new fan. May he rest in peace, Ameen. Utmost respect to Uzair n Aleph 🫡💯

[@AforAleph]

Thanks a lot brother! Btw it’s Umair :)

[@baigmusic]

@@AforAleph Oh yes my bad, i meant Umair 💯🤘

[@rayyanaltaf9279]

I met Mr Adnan at arts council the first time I went to ACP to meet ahsan bhai(bari) and I remember him complementing a guitar solo I had recorded for my bands song, then I remember seeing him play live at sound spirit ep 3 i believe, was an honor to play with my band on the same stage as him, and then i remember recently at the arts council youth festival, he really helped out on stage during soundcheck. We were the first band to go on in the battle of the bands category. He came up to stage with thr rest of the judges, helped us sort through all the issues, and he was very supportive of my playing and all afterwards, made my whole week honestly. I have so much respect for this man, I would love to properly learn from him someday

[@thafahaad]

RIP, what a legend. Thanks @aleph for doing this interview.

[@ha5h]

WOW - Mr VAI in a detailed interview - WOW - thank you A for Aleph !

[@AforAleph]

You’re most welcome ❤

[@talalmumtaz5151]

What an amazing person and Artist

[@DXkiet]

I learn guitar From his student, and he used to tell me alot of things about him, then I met him, I saw him, I searched him.. what a legend he is.

[@therealwilfredclinton]

Sir thank you so much for your kind words. Its really means a lot for me 🙂❤🙏🙌

[@asifmallahofficial]

Thank you A for Aleph ❤ Buht hi umda program ❤ Legend Ustad we love you 💞 ek Azeem artist ek Mehboob insan ❤ ek hi Dil hai seenay mein.. 50 hon tab bhi ap ke Naam ❤️ And Umair Bhai ye chanel buht hi aagy Jayega humari Dua hai

[@AforAleph]

Ameen Jazak’Allah Bhai jaan ❤❤❤

[@adnanbaloch8256]

what an episode! what a man! Please bring part 2 of this.

[@AforAleph]

Glad you enjoyed it! Definitely would love to have Adnan Bhai over again - he has a huge well of stories and insights to share!

[@jentlhead338]

what a guy absolutely amazing guitarist and a living legend im amazed to know the story of that lucky guitar traveling among the legends love the format love and everything about aleph this one is a great one im super happy to know more about afaq bhai keep up the amazing work mr umair dar appreciat you

[@AforAleph]

❤💕 JazakAllah brother!

[@EasyHarmoniumGuide]

Wow, what an inspiring interview with Sir Adnan Afaq! As a pioneer of the music scene and an experienced music teacher, Adnan's insights and knowledge are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their skills and understanding of music. I was particularly struck by his emphasis on the importance of dedication, hard work, and patience in achieving success in music. His passion for teaching and mentoring is evident throughout the interview, and it's clear that he takes great pride in helping his students to reach their full potential. Overall, this interview is a must-watch for anyone looking to learn from one of the most respected figures in the music industry. Thank you for sharing this fantastic content on the Aleph Podcast!

[@AforAleph]

Thank you so much ❤️🙏🏼 Glad you found it inspirational and meaningful - Adnan bhai is truly a rare gem 💎

[@shehzadatif1]

I am glad to see that someone is taking up task of bringing local artisists (specially 90s musicians) to the forefront. Adnan was never in limelight and never got a chance to know about him. Thank you for having us know stars like him more. It would be better if you cover about their rigs (guitars, amps, FX processors, tools, cabs, strings and boards). No one talks about these important components.

[@AforAleph]

Thank you! Will get more into their rigs in future episodes InshaAllah

[@MaaziHaalMustaqbil]

The most anticipated podcast ever. I can't wait to deep-dive into this one.

[@fawad994]

Thanks for this interview, Umair! I love the references to Aamir Zaki that these brilliant musicians make. Afaq is a living legend. Sad that we have never been able to actually recognize these people.

[@AforAleph]

You’re welcome bro - Better late than never! There’s still time to give them their due respect and recognition

[@burhanilyas]

اللہ تعالیٰ کرم کریں اور جنت الفردوس میں جگہ عطا فرمائیں آمین

[@AforAleph]

Ameen ❤️🙏🏼

[@fahimbarry]

Best interview

[@positivekarachipk7933]

Respected Adnan Sir....plz rerecord sarab on latest technology..the version of sarab available on youtube is of very poor quality...this songs not get old after more then 25 years.❤

[@danishgibb]

This was a wonderful podcast. Adnan has been a mystery for so many years. Cant believe he has escaped the limelight even though he was as good as anyone else and better than most . Would love to hear more from him.

[@AforAleph]

Thank you! We plan on having him back InshaAllah to go deeper into certain topics

[@SameerKhan-yk8fr]

Great work, Umair. Finally, I saw him giving an interview, and he is one of my inspirations. I am looking forward to your collab with him.

[@AforAleph]

You and me both buddy! Thank you so much!

[@saimtime]

Thank you for bringing him on the podcast

[@mrmarlborian]

I was too excited for this episode . This comment is even before I started watching it :)

[@AforAleph]

Do drop one after you finish to let us know what you thought! :)

[@FahadZahr]

Teacher of perhaps all the great Pakistani guitarists. He should received sitara imtiaz by now

[@AforAleph]

He really should

[@footballsexpert3895]

Still long hairs... Sir used to be not only master of guitar but a handsome dude specially in those circle band days but never used his appearance to get mainstream .. class!!

[@zainulabdin9521]

The legendary Adnan Sahab!!!

[@lawrencesoares9019]

Rest in peace Sir 🙏

[@AforAleph]

Ameen

[@irfanyarmiahkhan6196]

excellent👍👍👍

[@AforAleph]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@redemptionaxe]

Tehzeeb by Circle is an amazing album. "Jawaab do" is an amazing track

[@shameelabbasy6210]

Great podcast! I’m so glad to learn about these late 80’s and early 90’s hard rock bands like Arsh, circle, powerhouse etc. I’ve heard their music back in the day on PTV and STN growing up but it’s so refreshing to hear these stories and individual journeys. Loving these, Umair. If you can, I would love to see Tanseer Dar talking about his experiences - from Karavan to his love for industrial rock music and hosting battle of the bands in the early 2000s. That’ll be an interesting time capsule to explore. Cheers!

[@therealwilfredclinton]

🙌🙏sir

[@saimtime]

Finally!!!! So great to see him getting the exposure he earned and deserves!!! ❤❤❤

[@AforAleph]

It was an honour having him on!

[@Mosinnn]

Listening to this masterpiece today on 40:27 mark saw a notification that he died. May Allah set grant him the higehst ranks in jannah.

[@AforAleph]

Ameen 🙏🏼🤲

[@imamhamdani18]

❤

[@theseventhlife8485]

Amazing and really a great effort of calling such great musicians brother I haven't miss a second and been through the complete video especially Sir Adnan, Shallum Sir and Sir Faraz Anwar and it sounds really great to hear that they all are connected with each other when it comes to music once again Umair thanks a lot I am sure Meekal Hassan and Nabeel Nihal Chishty both are in your list and would be sitting with you soon

[@ammarahmed5981]

22:55 larko ke baal bohot lambe hain yeh video nahi chal sakta. hahaha, ohh man, the experiences on Adnan's face is priceless.

[@HasanAsif]

Good to see the Legendary Mr Adnan Afaq on Your podcast great Job Mr Umair Dar and Aleph ❤️❤️❤️ more power to you 🙏

[@AforAleph]

Thank you so much brother ❤️💕

[@HasanAsif]

@@AforAleph Your Most welcome Bro ❤️

[@kenan_keys]

Great to see an honest conversation with some of the pioneers of Pakistani guitar playing. Loved it! 😊

[@AforAleph]

Thanks for your support Kenan as always ❤️🙏🏼

[@AliTKhan]

He looks like Eddie Van Halen

[@NajeemI]

Bolo bolo arguably has the best Pakistani guitar solo. Beatles Centre - Mr. Gulzar Khaliqdina .... bought an acoustic guitar for Rs.1,200 from him. Good Memories

[@aliazlan8195]

What a brilliant listen, so much nostalgia. Keep up the good work my friend, Umair ❤️

[@AforAleph]

Thank you brother ❤

[@CarazyDiamond]

Absolutely great podcast. Adnan Afaq is such a gem of a person. Still unable to absorb the loss of Aamir Zaki, I wish we can cherish our artists more and I wish there must be some academy that can archive each and every piece of music and songs.

[@AforAleph]

Thank you! Well, we can’t change the past but we can begin to appreciate our gems now and support their work

[@shehzadatif1]

Its sad that he is no more.

[@thegame787]

Thankyou for this .

[@AforAleph]

You're most welcome! Please let us know who else you would like to see on the show!

[@thegame787]

@@AforAleph would love to see nabeel nihaal here , he did phenomenal work on this album sawaal (Aaroh).

[@zishanhaider]

Innah lillah e wa innah elehe raajiyoon. Adnan bhai passed away today. May Allah bless his soul in jannat ul firdaus

[@AforAleph]

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioun… deeply saddened by his passing…. Allah unn ko maghfarat farmayein, Ameen

[@yastoorghori8913]

Sir love u

[@AhadBhatti]

Please invite him again. He is got a lot to share and you need to dig that out. Good effort but you would need unconventional questions to get a fruitful discussion with this guy. Next time ask questions about spirituality with him Thanks!

[@AforAleph]

I though the discussion was quite fruitful but yes definitely plan to have him over again - can hardly cover 3 decades worth of experience in an hour!

[@aakhyderi]

👑👑👑

[@mzeeking]

Bndai ko apnai apko best krna hota hai,koi kisi ko beat nhe kr skta,sbka apna style aur feel hai

[@AforAleph]

100%

[@AforAleph]

100%

[@xphaisalx]

Rip ADNAN bhai.

[@mzeeking]

Jo jeeta tha guitarist his name is wilfred clinton,you should share his name also

[@wonderwalls3565]

does anyone know how to get Zaki's tone? I am after the tone which he used in the solo of Money.

[@AforAleph]

Sounds like a Les Paul style guitar in the treble position - but the main ingredient is his fingers!

[@wonderwalls3565]

I was thinking like a Gibson LP with a some Marshall. tone is so good. I think his figures are changing the feel of the sound or the whole solo but the tone itself is because of the guitar and the amp.@@AforAleph

[@AforAleph]

@@wonderwalls3565 the guitar and amp can only go so far - he’s playing with his fingers as he did - no pick, and the feel of his fingers is what defines the snappy yet soft edged character

[@wonderwalls3565]

I dont agree. there is a reason each and every great guitar player stuck to particular equipment and guitars. but what you are referring to may be contribute about 15-20%@@AforAleph

[@AforAleph]

@@wonderwalls3565 speaking from experience - I have a Les Paul and Marshall stack too - each person that plays it makes it sound different.

[@mzeeking]

Zaki and you are almost of the same age,,2 sai 3 saal ka fark ho ga ..

[@Abiddars]

Adnan Fraz Khalid Asad Zaki

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

@31:15 Hi! Bhai mere why do you so strictly want music to flourish as an industry? Why not as an art? Capitalism has no place for 'Bands', the spirit of collectivism which is intrinsic to bands is the very antithesis to the individualistic spirit of capitalism. Music is falling apart throughout the world for the same reasons. Neo-Liberalism needed Rock music in 60's-80's to deflect people's minds from Socialism, which is no longer required Businesses (Industry) are run for profits, and the successful business model here is; electronic/digital music, melodies generated through algorithms over what people like (or the niche you want to sell), AI created lyrics and a vocalist who has no ideology, easily fits into modern macho image, easily replaceable, and can be sold to your prospective consumer. This is a question of political economy and you ask it to musicians, btw Afaq did a great job for not bashing society.

[@AforAleph]

Bhai I agree with you mostly - except the part where you think this question is not relevant for musicians - of course it is. No one has more experience than such artists in how to make a living from their craft. I am very much anti capitalism and Aleph itself is built on a very different model than the prevalent capitalism system, however, the society we live in is indeed capitalist and so it becomes relevant for the artists within it to have ideas of how to navigate such conditions.

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

​@@AforAleph Well I totally agree that we've no other means other than what are available in the system, even if we are to oppose the very system. Your question is so large, and an ideological one but the people you ask to never seem to comprehend it.

[@AforAleph]

@@AsadAli-jc5tg that’s probably because no one asked them before! The only way we can get to some solutions though is by having the conversation and that’s what I’m trying to make happen Very good point raised though thank you for your comment!

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

@@AforAleph Yes, raising something is very important. I really like your channel.

[@AforAleph]

@@AsadAli-jc5tg thank you bro do help us spread the word 🙏🏼

[@aajees1887]

❤